Strawberry Field is preparing to welcome Beatles fans from around the world with a packed programme of live music, talks, tours and special appearances during International Beatleweek in Liverpool.
The iconic South Liverpool attraction, immortalised by John Lennon and The Beatles in Strawberry Fields Forever, will stage events from Tuesday, August 25 through to Monday, August 31.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the new Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden, the first public tribute of its kind dedicated to legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.
At the heart of the new garden is a curved brick wall featuring an engraved Portland stone celebrating Sir George’s career, alongside 30 discs representing UK Number One singles he produced.
They include hits by some of the biggest names in British music, including The Beatles, Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Elton John.
International Beatleweek events at Strawberry Field
The programme begins on Tuesday, August 25, with the Childhood Memories Private Tour.
Led by Green Badge guide Charlotte Martin, the tour explores South Liverpool locations connected to members of The Beatles.
Stops include George Harrison’s childhood home on Upton Green, Stuart Sutcliffe’s childhood home on Aigburth Drive and Calderstones School, formerly Quarry Bank High School.
There will also be photo opportunities outside John Lennon’s childhood home Mendips and Paul McCartney’s former home on Forthlin Road, as well as Dungeon Lane.
You can tickets here.
On Friday, August 28 at 1.30pm, Strawberry Field will welcome Adolfo Iglesias and musician John Juárez to the Bradbury Suite for a special conversation about John Lennon’s time in Almería and the creation of Strawberry Fields Forever.
Iglesias has spent more than 30 years researching the six weeks Lennon spent in his hometown while filming How I Won the War.
His research has included speaking with dozens of people who met Lennon during his stay, and he will share new details about the trip, including the villa where Lennon wrote and recorded his first demos of the famous song.
Tickets are free with a suggested £10 donation here.
Music follows at 2.30pm when Beatles acoustic harmony tribute duo The Fab Twins return for a live performance in the Imagine More Café. Entry is free, with donations welcomed.
On Sunday, August 30 at midday, rock ‘n’ roll and skiffle band The TR5’s will perform in the Strawberry Field gardens.
Their music takes inspiration from the artists and sounds which helped influence The Beatles, ahead of their appearance at The Cavern.
Strawberry Field will also be represented at the International Beatleweek Convention at Liverpool’s Adelphi Hotel, where a range of limited edition and exclusive merchandise will be available.
John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird to meet fans
The programme continues on Monday, August 31, when Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and Honorary President of Strawberry Field, will meet fans between 10am and 2pm.
Julia will sign copies of her book Imagine This and will be joined by Beatles artist Shannon, who was named ‘The World’s Greatest Beatles Artist’ by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool in 1997.
At midday, LIPA duo Little Disco will take to the Strawberry Field bandstand to reimagine Abbey Road with an electronic sound.
Mike Byrne and the Sunrockers will follow at 1.15pm, bringing a set packed with 1950s rock ‘n’ roll and jive.
Songs by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry will feature in the free performance.
Explore Strawberry Field during Beatleweek
Throughout International Beatleweek, visitors can also step beyond Strawberry Field’s famous red gates and explore its visitor exhibition and gardens between 10am and 5pm each day.
The exhibition tells the story of The Salvation Army children’s home which played an important role in John Lennon’s childhood and later inspired one of The Beatles’ most celebrated songs.
International Beatleweek ticket holders can receive 10% off admission when purchasing tickets at the Strawberry Field ticket desk.
The Imagine More Café will also be open for refreshments, while visitors can browse exclusive Strawberry Field and officially licensed Beatles merchandise.
All proceeds from ticket sales, purchases and donations at Strawberry Field help support Steps at Strawberry Field, which helps young adults facing barriers to employment access paid work and build brighter futures.
More information about Strawberry Field and its International Beatleweek programme is available through the Strawberry Field website.
